Comparison · Metamorphic Rocks vs Quartz Family
Eclogite vs Jasper
Eclogite and Jasper are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 6–7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Eclogite and Jasper
- Both sit near Mohs 6–7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Eclogite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.3–3.6 versus 2.6 for Jasper).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Eclogite is Opaque, Jasper is opaque.
- They overlap in green, red, and multicolored, but Jasper also comes in yellow and brown.
Eclogite vs Jasper properties
| Property | Eclogite | Jasper |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Metamorphic Rocks | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 6–7.5 | 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous (garnet and omphacite grains) | vitreous |
| Streak | — | White |
| Transparency | Opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 3.3–3.6 | 2.6 |
| Crystal system | — | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Green (omphacite), Red (garnet), Mottled green and red | Red, Yellow, Brown, Green, Multi-colored |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $1–$75+ | $5–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Jasper is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $20 against $10 for Eclogite, and premium Jasper can reach $150 or more.
About Eclogite
Eclogite is a dense, coarse-grained metamorphic rock composed primarily of red garnet and green sodium-rich pyroxene called omphacite, formed only under the extreme pressures found deep within the crust or upper mantle. Its striking red-and-green coloration makes it one of the most visually distinctive metamorphic rocks, and its mineralogy records some of the highest-pressure conditions preserved in rocks that return to Earth's surface. Eclogite forms from basaltic protoliths subjected to pressures typically exceeding those of ordinary regional metamorphism.
About Jasper
Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony found in a wide array of colors and patterns. Each variety has unique characteristics based on its formation.
Eclogite vs Jasper FAQ
Is Eclogite the same as Jasper?
No. Eclogite is a metamorphic rock while Jasper is a quartz family. Both sit near Mohs 6–7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Eclogite from Jasper?
Both sit near Mohs 6–7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Eclogite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.3–3.6 versus 2.6 for Jasper). Hold a thin edge to the light: Eclogite is Opaque, Jasper is opaque.
Which is harder, Eclogite or Jasper?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 6–7.5.
Which is more valuable, Eclogite or Jasper?
Jasper is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $20 against $10 for Eclogite, and premium Jasper can reach $150 or more.
